It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
avatar
Barefoot_Monkey: Can you explain what you mean?

The Internet covers all regions (that have access) thus, if costs of entering a new market locally are a problem, such costs are removed with the Internet. Entering one market is the same as entering all -- either digitally or with physical goods -- you just open one site to cover all regions. Even shipping isn't a problem when you have your customers pay for it.
So for regions where you don't think you're going to get enough returns to justify full local market penetration, just sell your items via the Internet. Those who are interested in your product will tend to find it (especially when it's a game) with little need for advertising costs.
avatar
bansama: So for regions where you don't think you're going to get enough returns to justify full local market penetration, just sell your items via the Internet. Those who are interested in your product will tend to find it (especially when it's a game) with little need for advertising costs.

But the globality (is that even a word?) of the internet is actually a part of the problem. The reason for regional pricing (as opposed to simply regional availability) is that every company wants to sell its products for exactly as much as people are willing to pay for it, in order to maximise profits. However, that price is not the same from region to region. In some countries, the average income is much lower than in others. This is usually reflected in local store prices, and noone complains too much about it, because you can't see the price tags in stores in other countries when you're standing in one of your local stores. Also, there are other local factors involved, such as the lower cost of labor leading to companies being able to sell their products cheaper there. And of course, when you do go abroad, and see the cheaper prices in their stores, you can buy stuff from them at that price.
However, when we look at digital distribution, the cost of selling to one country is exactly the same as the cost of selling to another, so there's an argument out the window. What's left is the price the local market can bear. This is still not fixed, and so regional pricing schemes are used. But now you're on the internet, and it's very easy to compare prices across borders. So now everyone can see that "those lucky bastards are paying only 50% of what we are!" You can effectively walk into a foreign store and look at the prices, but you are not allowed to buy anything.
avatar
bansama: One of these days, one of these large multinationals is finally going to understand and will then set up an entirely new division. Tasked solely with sales via the Internet -- thus eliminating all* regional restrictions. And of course, when this happens, brick and mortar distributors will of course be told it's time to adapt. Or they simply would have faded out anyhow (which they will almost certainly do within the next two decades or so).

GoG? As far as I know the game prices are the same everywhere and no regional restrictions.
Regional restrictions are excuse for piracy (games, movies, etc.) and piracy is excuse for regional restrictions. There is quite good example in my country is now with xbox live (we don't get live coz there is piracy, that means we get butchered versions of games for full price - no multiplay, DLC codes taken out from boxes). With steam Fear 2 is unawailable in my region but retail wersion that requaiers steam is available, but there is no way to buy DLC. The same with GfWL. The price may be a factor for restrictions, some regional laws as well but sometimes some good will of publisher would solwe this problem.